In collaboration with Gulf Offshore Research and Blue Latitudes, this initiative reframed the lifecycle of offshore oil platforms by proposing their transformation into multi-use infrastructures that serve ecological, social, and economic purposes. The work outlined scenarios for repurposing decommissioned rigs into renewable energy hubs, aquaculture bases, carbon capture sites, artificial reefs as well as platforms for marine research, blue tourism and hydrogen infrastructure.

By shifting the lens from single-function extraction to circular, regenerative use, the project brought together technical feasibility, ecological modeling and narrative strategy to advocate for adaptive reuse at scale. It emphasized not only environmental benefit but also long-term economic viability and coastal community value.

The project developed a clear market case tailored to stakeholders responsible for decommissioning, including regulators, energy companies and coastal authorities. Drawing on spatial analysis and decommissioning forecasts, the work mapped the opportunity across high-density zones like the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea—where over 3,000 offshore platforms are approaching end-of-life.

By articulating environmental, economic and community co-benefits and presenting viable reuse scenarios beyond the traditional rigs-to-reefs model, the initiative positioned adaptive reuse as a strategic and cost-effective alternative to full removal.